Is Waukee or Clive better?

Waukee is stronger on brand-new construction and amenities, while Clive is stronger on quiet streets and best trail system in the metro. The right choice depends on your commute, budget, school district preference, and lifestyle priorities.

Which is cheaper, Waukee or Clive?

Waukee has a median home price of $375,000, while Clive is at $330,000. Prices vary significantly within each suburb based on neighborhood, age, and condition.

What school districts serve Waukee and Clive?

Waukee is served by Waukee CSD (top 5 in Iowa). Clive is served by WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split). Always verify the specific school assignment by address before buying — some suburbs have boundaries that split neighborhoods.

Des Moines Suburb Comparison

Waukee vs Clive

● Market data updated 2026-05-01 · Des Moines Metro, Iowa · Updated monthly

Side-by-side comparison of two top Des Moines metro suburbs — prices, schools, commute, amenities, and lifestyle.

Quick Answer

Waukee is the better choice if you prioritize brand-new construction and amenities. Watch out for: highest median price among the top suburbs.

Clive is the better choice if you prioritize quiet streets and best trail system in the metro. Watch out for: fewer amenities than neighboring West Des Moines.

Side-by-Side

Factor	Waukee	Clive
Median home price	$375,000	$330,000
Population	~26,000	~18,000
County	Dallas	Polk/Dallas
School district	Waukee CSD (top 5 in Iowa)	WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split)
Commute to downtown	18-25 min to downtown	15 min to downtown
Vibe	new construction, master-planned, fast-growing	quiet, residential, trails
Amenities	Costco, new Hy-Vee, Kettlestone, Prairie Crossing	Clive Greenbelt Trail, Clive Aquatic Center

About Waukee

Waukee sits in Dallas County with a population of about ~26,000. The vibe is new construction, master-planned, fast-growing, with amenities including Costco, new Hy-Vee, Kettlestone, Prairie Crossing. Median home prices run around $375,000 with a 18-25 min to downtown.

Schools in Waukee: Waukee CSD (top 5 in Iowa).

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About Clive

Clive sits in Polk/Dallas County with a population of about ~18,000. The vibe is quiet, residential, trails, with amenities including Clive Greenbelt Trail, Clive Aquatic Center. Median home prices run around $330,000 with a 15 min to downtown.

Schools in Clive: WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split).

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Which One Is Right for You?

Choose Waukee if: you want brand-new construction and amenities, and you can live with highest median price among the top suburbs.
Choose Clive if: you want quiet streets and best trail system in the metro, and you can live with fewer amenities than neighboring West Des Moines.
Still undecided: tour both suburbs on a single weekend, drive the commute at rush hour, and eat at the neighborhood restaurants before deciding.

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